Phuoc Dong Fishing Village, also known as An Hai Village, was formerly part of An Hoa Hai Commune in Tuy An District, Phu Yen Province. Today, it belongs to O Loan Commune in Dak Lak Province.
In recent years, both Phuoc Dong Village and Mai Nha Islet in O Loan have become beloved destinations for travelers seeking untouched, rustic beauty. Videos capturing the village's bustling dawn scenes of returning fishing boats or its serene sunset moments have garnered millions of views on TikTok.
Although homestays have grown in number to serve the rising tourist demand, visitors praise the village for retaining its simplicity and avoiding hasty commercialization - making it a perfect spot for those seeking to "escape the city and slow down."
The fishing village curves along the coastline. Photo: Thua Hoa
Thua Hoa, a 27-year-old traveler from Bac Ninh, spent four days and three nights in Phuoc Dong as part of his journey across Vietnam. He noted that the village is not far from well-known tourist sites of the former Phu Yen Province such as Hon Yen, Bai Xep, Ganh Da Dia, and Ong Cop wooden bridge - making it easy to combine itineraries.
Instead of rushing from site to site, Hoa devoted two full days to living slowly in the village. He rented a beachfront homestay with large glass windows, offering a perfect view of the breathtaking sunrise.
Sunrise and sunset in the village offer mesmerizing views. Photo: Thua Hoa
At 5 a.m., there’s no need for an alarm. Hoa woke to the cheerful calls of fishermen greeting one another as boats returned, brimming with seafood. Though referred to as a “fish port,” the scale is modest, mainly serving locals and regional vendors who distribute to restaurants.
“The seafood is caught overnight and sold in the early morning, so it’s incredibly fresh and cheap. You can ask the vendors nearby to cook it for you or bring it back to your homestay for DIY cooking,” Hoa shared.
The early morning scene at the fishing village charms visitors. Photo: Thua Hoa
Hoa visited Phuoc Dong during the low season - an ideal time for peaceful escapes. Photo: Thua Hoa
One dish not to be missed is “glow squid” – freshly caught squid with luminescent dots dancing on their translucent bodies, offering a taste of the ocean.
As the day winds down, the entire village flocks to the beach: adults untangle fishing nets and chat, while children fly kites and swing. Hoa found himself mesmerized by the peaceful and gentle atmosphere.
The local street food scene is astonishingly cheap. Hoa was surprised to find bánh xèo (Vietnamese savory pancakes) priced at just 3,000–5,000 VND (roughly $0.12–$0.20) each - generously sized and delicious. Dishes like noodle soups and bánh mì cost only 10,000–15,000 VND ($0.40–$0.60), more than enough for a full meal.
“In the evening, I’d head to the beach to snack. With just 50,000 VND (around $2), I could fill a table with food. Simple dishes, but incredibly satisfying, especially when paired with the cool breeze and ocean view,” Hoa said.
Hoa’s $2 beachside snack feast at the fishing village. Photo: Thua Hoa
A seafood-filled lunch for Thoa’s family in Phuoc Dong Village. Photo: Chu Thi Thuy Thoa
While Hoa visited during the off-season in March, Chu Thi Thuy Thoa, a 36-year-old from Hanoi, brought her family of six during July - the peak travel time. Even then, they were struck by the village’s calm and peaceful charm.
In the early morning, the family would watch fishing boats return and buy ultra-fresh seafood at surprisingly low prices, then have it cooked at their homestay (about 30,000 VND or $1.20 per person).
“We brought squid and shrimp to a bánh xèo stall and asked the vendor to cook them for us. Each pancake cost just 3,000 VND, including fresh herbs and dipping sauce. Everyone in my family agreed - it was the best seafood meal we’ve ever had,” Thoa said.
From the fishing village, tourists can take a boat to Mai Nha Islet. Spanning just 1.2 km², the island is uninhabited and pristine, with crystal-clear waters and uniquely shaped rock formations.
Overnight tour packages cost around 650,000 VND (about $26.50) per adult, including canoe transport, tents, drinks, a seafood dinner, breakfast, and SUP (stand-up paddleboard) activities.
Visitors should keep in mind that Phuoc Dong is a local fishing village just beginning to develop tourism, so high-end services should not be expected. What it offers instead is an authentic experience with nature and warm, down-to-earth locals.
The beach has a steep incline, so swimmers are advised not to venture too far from shore to ensure safety.
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